Silversea Expedition Cruises To BORA BORA (Society Islands)

Simply saying the name Bora Bora is usually enough to induce gasps of jealousy, as images of milky blue water, sparkling white beaches and casually leaning palm trees immediately spring to mind. The imagination doesn't lie, either, and if you visit, you’ll soon realise this island is every bit as gorgeous as you ever imagined. Thatched wooden huts stand out over shallow, sparkling seawater, with vivid fish swirling just below. View more

Soak up the sun, scuba dive, or simply revel in the opulent luxury of one of the island's many magnificent resorts. If blissful inactivity doesn't appeal, then get active, and hike the greenery of the sharp Mount Pahia.

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.

Excursions in BORA BORA (Society Islands)

Experience Bora Bora's spectacular beauty and world famous blue gradient lagoon from a unique perspective during this exhilarating flight-seeing tour via helicopter.

Bora Bora, Pago Pago Helipad, Helicopter Flight-Seeing Tour

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Pago Pago Helipad. Upon arrival receive your safety instructions and begin your breath-taking, approximately 20-minute helicopter flight-seeing tour. After lift-off, soar over Polynesia's most beautiful landscapes.

Marvel at the spectacular panoramic views of this verdant tropical paradise, which is framed by the mesmerising blue hues of the exquisite lagoon of blue and turquoise waters surrounding Bora Bora. In addition, you are equipped with a headset with microphones to enable you to communicate with, and listen to, your pilot/guide whilst discovering one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. At the conclusion of this unforgettable flight-seeing tour, return to the Pago Pago Helipad, re-board your vehicle and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the vehicle and board/de-board the helicopter. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to airsickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Each helicopter seats a maximum of four guests. Guests weighing more than 120 kilograms cannot participate on this tour. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. The total flight time is approximately 20 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions, and may be cancelled on short notice. Space on this tour is extremely limited.

Experience the exquisite beauty of Bora Bora and heart-shaped atoll of Tupai from high above during this breath-taking flight-seeing excursion via helicopter.

Bora Bora, Pago Pago Helipad, Helicopter Flight-Seeing Tour

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Pago Pago Heliport. Upon arrival, receive your safety instructions and begin your breath-taking approximately 20-minute helicopter flight-seeing tour. After lift-off, soar over Polynesia's most beautiful landscapes.

Panoramic Island and Coastal Views, Turquoise Coastal Waters

Marvel at the spectacular panoramic views of this verdant tropical paradise, which is framed by the mesmerising blue hues of the exquisite lagoon of blue and turquoise waters surrounding Bora Bora. In addition, you are equipped with a headset with microphones to enable you to communicate with, and listen to, your pilot/guide whilst discovering the spectacular beauty and vivid colour of Bora Bora and its surrounds.

During your helicopter flight-seeing adventure, fly over the famous nearby atoll of Tupai. Located just ten miles (about 16 kilometres) north of Bora Bora, the islet of Tupai, when viewed from the sky, features a heart-shaped perimeter. This romantic atoll hosts a double-lagoon and motu covered with coconut trees. At the conclusion of this unforgettable flight-seeing tour, return to the Pago Pago Heliport, re-board your vehicle and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the vehicle and board/de-board the helicopter. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to airsickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Each helicopter seats a maximum of four guests. Guests weighing more than 120 kilograms cannot participate on this tour. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions, and may be cancelled on short notice. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour sequence may vary.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Aquabike Centre. Upon arrival, receive your safety and operating instructions before starting your private, 30-minute aquabike journey below the surface of the beautiful lagoon.

The underwater scooter has a transparent glass airlock with constant air supply, making it easy to breathe as you captain this unique vehicle. During your undersea experience, view a myriad of tropical fish, coral and marine life. Following the aquabike portion of the tour, (time and weather permitting) a stop is made for snorkelling and exploring more of the lagoon.

Your tour concludes with a transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach or embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef or water shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least eight years old to participate on this tour, and at least 16 years old to drive the sub-scooter. Driving licence is not needed for this tour. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Discover the exquisite beauty of Bora Bora's Blue Lagoon, considered to be one of the world's most beautiful lagoon, during this snorkelling adventure and motu picnic outing.

Depart the pier aboard a private lagoon boat for a scenic cruise across Bora Bora's Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is three times larger than the island's land mass and offers an incomparable range of azure and turquoise colours.

Your cruise proceeds along the island's West Coast, giving you superb views of Bora Bora's mountains. At a spot near the barrier reef, you can observe an unusual spectacle as the boat crew attracts and feeds harmless blacktip reef sharks and friendly rays. The show can be observed from the boat.

Leaving the reef area, your cruise continues on to a private coral atoll, or motu, for a picnic-style lunch of local fare, followed by an opportunity to relax and unwind amidst this beautiful South Seas setting. After lunch, you can swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters and watch a pareo-tying demonstration.

Your blue lagoon and motu picnic concludes with the boat ride back to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour requires a limited amount of walking; however, guests must be agile and able to manoeuvre in and out of the boat using a two-step ladder should they wish to participate in water activities. Masks and snorkels (no fins) are provided but they are of a basic quality; we recommend guests bring their own. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with non-slip, rubber-soled shoes or aqua shoes, and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bottled water and a camera from the ship. The size of the boat used will depend on participation, but a minimum number of guests are required to operate this tour.As with all creatures in their natural environment, we cannot guarantee the presence of fish and animals.

Discover the underwater world of Bora Bora on this Aqua Safari. Wearing a wetsuit and helmet, walk on the ocean floor and take in the sites only usually seen by divers.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Aqua Safari base. Here you are fitted with a wet suit and specially-designed helmet. After a safety information session and boat ride to the dive location, enter the water. The weighted helmet with piped in oxygen is lowered onto your head before you submerge. Due to the buoyancy of the water, the helmet weight is hardly noticeable underwater.

Walk along the sandy ocean floor just as if you were on dry land; there is no swimming required. You are approximately 10-20 feet (3.5-6 metres) below the surface as you explore this incredible marine wonder. The crew will accompany the group as your presence attracts the myriad of multi-coloured tropical fish in the area. The dive site boasts a variety of fish and coral as you walk in a defined area. Your underwater experience is approximately 30 minutes, and time permitting you may have an opportunity to snorkel either before or afterwards.

Come to the surface and cruise the lagoon back to the dock before returning to the pier.

Please note: Thistour is recommended to guests who are physically fit and do not suffer from a heart condition, breathing issues such as asthma, claustrophobia or difficulties manoeuvring in or out of a boat using a ladder. It is suitable for those who cannot swim; however, it is not recommended for pregnant women. There is a moderate amount of walking required and this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear a bathing suit under a cover-up and aqua shoes and bring a towel and sun protection from the ship. All equipment is provided but guests may wish to bring their own mask and snorkel. Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Itinerary and order of sites visited may change and operation of this tour is dependent upon favourable weather and sea conditions. It can be cancelled on short notice. We highly recommend you bring a waterproof disposable camera with you from home. Aqua Safari may offer a DVD of your underwater experience for an additional charge. If the photographer was accompanying the group, you may purchase this directly (Euros, US Dollars, Pacific Francs, Credit Card). Space is limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover Vaitape, Bora Bora, the 'Pearl of Polynesia', in an exciting new way during this exhilarating off-road island adventure. Vaitape is characterised by the towering peaks of three mountains and is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon. In addition to breath-taking panoramic vistas, this 4X4 trip features remnants of early Polynesian life and relics of the World War II presence of American forces.

Depart the pier at Vaitape with your driver/guide and follow along a trail to a pair of World War II cannons left by the U.S. military. Along the way, the guide elaborates on the presence of American forces on Bora Bora during World War II.

Next, proceed driving through the Faanui Valley to view the lush, tropical nature of the island's interior. Photo stops en route allow you to take in spectacular vistas and learn about local customs, as well as its flora and fauna.

This scenic journey carries on through into the northern part of the island and the district of Fitii in the east. Heading toward the south side, the drive takes you past coastal hotels and up Pahonu Hill. Along the way, your guide points out sights of interests and stops are made for photo opportunities of the spectacular lagoon.

Time permitting, conclude this Bora Bora off-road adventure with a stop at a black pearl farm before returning to the pier at Vaitape.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking is required; however, guests must be able to climb in and out of the vehicles. It involves travel over bumpy, uneven terrain, and is not suitable for guests with back and neck problems. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Light-weight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes for protection is suggested. Bring protection from the sun and insect repellent if susceptible to bites. Operation of this tour is subject to minimum participation; each vehicle carries a minimum of 6 guests. Weather and/or resulting adverse road conditions may affect tour routing and stops.

Experience Bora Bora's scenic beauty and historic past during this orientation tour of the island.

Depart the pier via a colourful, open-air Le Truck bus for the narrated drive to the district of Faanui and a photo stop at scenic Faanui Bay.

Faanui Marae

Continue on to the ancient ceremonial site of the Faanui marae, or Farerua. It is Bora Bora's biggest temple and Polynesian gods and idols were worshipped here in ancient times. This marae's raised altar, or ahu, stands within a wall of large slabs of sandstone and coral.

Photo Stops

Next, your drive passes by the American bunkers, reminders of the South Pacific's role in World War II, then proceeds to the Belvedere Lookout for stunning views over the lagoon. Heading toward the village of Anau and Matira Beach, stop to take in the scenic vistas and photo opportunities of Mount Otemanu and Matira Beach.

Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar

Your drive then takes you for a photo stop at the world-renowned Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar, where the rich and famous have gathered for decades. If the bar is open, you may wish to have a quick drink before re-boarding the Le Truck.

Your tour concludes with a return drive back to the tender pier in Vaitape.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and some driving on bumpy roads. Guests must be able to climb in and out of the touring vehicles. This tour is not suggested for guests with back or neck issues, limited mobility, or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight clothing, protection from the sun and closed-toe comfortable shoes are recommended. As the bar at Bloody Mary cannot be guaranteed to be open, drinks have not been included in the price of this tour. Guests wishing to purchase food or drinks at Bloody Mary must settle the bill directly with the restaurant.

This tour is ideal for guests who are curious of the underwater life that surrounds Bora Bora but who prefer to stay dry. View the richness of Polynesian sea life without getting wet from the comfort of a glass bottom boat on the scenic cruise.

Meet your guide on the pier and your glass bottom boat. Begin your cruise into the Bora Bora lagoon with a view of the marina below. The boat has sections of glass below the waterline, providing views far better than simply looking in the water from above. The covered boat offers protection from the sun and eliminates glare, allowing you to take better photos.

Become acquainted with parrot fish, snappers, trigger fish and other coral life. While the main focus is the underwater sightseeing, the view from the boat of the lagoon and the island is outstanding.

Returning to the island, the glass bottom boat takes you to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of activity and is suitable for guests with limited mobility, able to climb 2 steep steps in and out of the boat. It is not wheelchair accessible. Lightweight clothing and non-slip soled shoes are suggested. Remember to bring protection from the sun, bottled water and you camera from the ship. Glass bottom boat seats up to 12 or 22 guests and is covered; all seats are utilised. As with all creatures in their natural environment, we cannot guarantee the presence of fish and animals.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately three-hour, off-road tour by 4WD vehicle. Along the way, traverse mountain trails en route to several panoramic viewpoints at the lagoon and Vaitape Village, and the site of cannons and bunkers; remnants of World War II.

Next, proceed for lunch at the famous restaurant, Bloody Mary's. After lunch, embark the vessel from restaurant pontoon for a snorkelling safari in the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora. Upon arrival, receive your safety and snorkelling instructions and equipment, then begin your guided snorkelling session. Along the way, see black-tipped sharks, stingrays, and colourful fish and marine life amidst the coral beds. Tour ends directly at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving, a moderate amount of boating and a minimal amount of walking, at times over bumpy, uneven, natural, and sandy surfaces and hills, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the 4WD vehicle and embark/disembark the boat. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, and can swim in water too deep too stand. This tour is forbidden for pregnant guests & not suitable for guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests who suffer from vertigo, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe boat or beach shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a towel and change of clothing from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 years or older to participate on this tour. Snorkelling equipment is provided. There are no changing facilities on board the boat. Waterproof cameras are highly recommended. On rainy days and for security reasons, some uphill stops can be replaced. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Look beyond the traditional boat cruise to the sharks and sting rays that dance beneath the surface. Combine wildlife viewing from the boat with snorkelling on this lagoon adventure.

Depart from the tender pier and meet your boat captain at the nearby wharf. Board your motorized boat and begin your adventure as you cruise into the lagoon. As you journey to deeper waters, listen as your guide tells you about the legendary animals of the sea. After about 10 minutes, your boat will stop in 25-foot-deep (eight-metre-deep) waters where shark are known to frequent. The covered boat offers protection from the sun and eliminates glare, allowing you to take better photos. The most commonly sighted shark is the blacktip reef shark but lemon shark as also often seen here.

Your next stop is designed to give you the opportunity to view sting ray both from the boat and from within the water. A 30-minute snorkelling visit gives you the chance to swim with the stingray and explore the surrounds from a more up-close vantage point.

Afterwards, the boat returns you to the wharf. From there, you are assisted to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking; however, guests must be physically fit, able to swim and able to manoeuvre in and out of the boat using a two-step ladder. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with non-slip, rubber-soled shoes or aqua shoes, and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bottled water and underwater camera from the ship. Snorkels and masks are available for guest use; however, we recommend you bring your own equipment. Fins are not provided; please bring from home if desired. As with all creatures in their natural environment, we cannot guarantee the presence of fish and animals.

PALMERSTON ISLAND

PAPEETE (Tahiti)

UOLEVA ISLAND

VANUA BALAVU, LAU ISLANDS

YASAWA

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.